Orange County Community Foundation "iheartoc Giving Day" Aims to Raise $2 Million for OC Nonprofits

30-Hour Online Giving Marathon Starts April 21 @ 6 a.m.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 21, 2015) - Today at 6 a.m. the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) is kicking off iheartoc Giving Day on April 21 as the first-ever county-wide day of giving. The goal is to inspire members of the community to show their love for local nonprofits by donating to their favorite charity or cause via the iheartoc.org website. The effort aims to deliver $2 million in funding in just 30 hours, running 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21 through noon on Wednesday, April 22.

"iheartoc Giving Day is our gift to the community in celebration of our 25th anniversary," said Shelley Hoss, OCCF president. "We are super-charging contributions from the public by investing $518,000 in bonus awards and prizes to help grow the good for participating nonprofits. To date, 345 Orange County nonprofits have joined the effort. Whether your passion is preserving natural resources, educating our youth, caring for older adults, or supporting local arts, there is an organization that fits your interests."

OCCF has set up an online platform with searchable profiles of participating nonprofits at iheartoc.org. From any smartphone, tablet or PC -- in the comfort of their home and office -- givers can donate to their favorite nonprofit during the 30-hour online marathon. The minimum donation is $25. Participating nonprofits will share $400,000 in bonus awards and $118,000 in prizes.

OCCF has planned a full day of festivities to fuel giving on April 21. The public is invited to attend a free family-friendly rally and mobile donation station from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Giant Wheel Court at the Irvine Spectrum Center located at 71 Spectrum Center Drive in Irvine, Calif. OCCF President Shelley Hoss will kick off an hour of performing arts at noon with Anaheim Ballet and a Chamber Music OC quartet. The Anaheim Ducks Power Players and Wild Wing will be on hand for autographs and pictures. Festivities will include face painting, a DJ and dance contests, bubble play and exhibits by Discovery Cube, The Ecology Center, The Pet Rescue Center, and Pretend City Children's Museum. In addition, baseball fans will experience an iheartoc presence at the 7:05 p.m. Angels vs. Oakland As game at Angels Stadium.

"This event, led by the Orange County Community Foundation, showcases our community's spirit of giving, raises awareness about local nonprofits, and celebrates the collective effort it takes to make this community healthy, vibrant and strong," said Vicki Booth, president of the Peter & Ginny Ueberroth Family Foundation and OCCF board chair.

The community foundation giving day concept has been successful in major cities and communities across the U.S. and here in California, including Sacramento, San Diego and Silicon Valley.

To learn more about iheartoc Giving Day, visit iheartoc.org. On social media: #iheartoc.

About Orange County Community Foundation Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs. Since its inception, OCCF has awarded $330 million in grants and scholarships and ranks among the top 10 percent in asset size among more than 750 U.S. community foundations. For more information, please go to oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.